HIGHLIGHTS
• On World Humanitarian Day, humanitarian community pays tribute to 59 aid workers killed in South Sudan since December 2013.
• Armed clashes and ambushes prevent humanitarians from reaching displaced people in Greater Equatoria.
• Humanitarian organizations strive to meet growing needs as the number of internally displaced people increases in Wau town.
• Intermittent fighting has forced thousands of people to flee their homes in central and southern Unity.
Humanitarian Coordinator calls for an end to attacks against aid workers
On 19 August, the humanitarian community in South Sudan observed a minute of silence at a candlelight ceremony to mark World Humanitarian Day. Colleagues remembered the 59 aid workers who have been killed in South Sudan since December 2013, and honoured those affected by attacks, as well as those who continue to risk their lives delivering humanitarian assistance and protection.
The Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, Eugene Owusu, called for an end to impunity for violence against aid workers. “Attacks against aid workers are unacceptable and violate international humanitarian law,” said Mr. Owusu. “I have said this repeatedly since I took up this position, and yet humanitarians in South Sudan continue to be attacked, threatened and harassed.”
During the July fighting in South Sudan’s capital, Juba, millions of dollars’ worth of aid was looted, and armed men in uniform stormed a compound housing humanitarians, with one aid worker killed and others raped and beaten. “The horrific events that took place in Terrain on 11 July are emblematic of the immense risks that humanitarian staff in South Sudan face on a daily basis,” said Mr. Owusu.
Humanitarians have called for the Terrain attack to be a turning point and stated that there should never, ever, be an attack on humanitarians in South Sudan again. “Humanitarians in South Sudan are solely here to assist people in need,” said Mr. Owusu. “Endangering them threatens the lives of the millions of people in South Sudan who rely upon humanitarian assistance and protection for their very survival.”
In 2016, humanitarian needs have continued to grow as a result of violence, displacement, hunger and disease. Horrendous atrocities have been committed against civilians, including widespread reports of sexual violence. “The suffering of civilians in South Sudan must be brought to an end,” said Mr. Owusu. “All those with power to stop the fighting must act now.”
In 2015, South Sudan surpassed Afghanistan as having the highest number of reported serious attacks against humanitarians, according to Humanitarian Outcomes.